NABHOOD, Day 2

My last day at NABHOOD has been an enjoyable one, and I think all in attendance have been impressed with the sessions and networking opportunities. Andy Ingraham, the president/CEO of NABHOOD, has done a phenomenal job in putting everything together.

This morning was highlighted by some remarks by Ash Patel, chairman of the Asian-American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). The audience heard more about the Employee Free Choice Act., this time from Patel. He also told attendees that they needed to be aware of the potential rewriting of the ADA (Americans with disabilities act). "Some of the proposals out there that have been set forth would completely hinder you to become successful in your business. There are proposals out there that would take away all grandfather clauses off your property," he said.

Patel said there are better things to come, and urged attendees not to let the economic troubles discourage them. "There are deals to be made, they just need to be where they're sensible. I know that lending is tough, and hopefully this ride is short."

He also noted that the next AAHOA conference will take place at the Gaylord Washington D.C., on April 22, 2009.

Dr. Debra Blair, an assistant professor at Temple University, also gave an engaging talk, describing how multicultural tourism is a growth market. She explained that the face of America is changing, and the lodging and travel industry must adapt.
"By 2009 ... buying power among African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native American populations [will be] a combined $1.5 trillion," she said.